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First Microsoft stores open in the Philippines

It was twice the mid-year fun as Microsoft opened its first two authorized reseller stores in the Philippines last June 27 and July 4. The stores are located in the Cyberzone areas of SM North EDSA Annex and SM Megamall -- two of the largest shopping destinations in the country.

The grand opening events for both stores were well-received as the guests eagerly lined up outside the stores even before they officially opened their doors. To kickstart the event, ribbon-cutting and store blessing ceremonies were held, graced by executives of Microsoft including Karrie Ilagan, Country GM; Milette Rosal, Marketing Head – Mobile Devices Sales; and Paul Foo, Head of Channel Operations, Pan Asia; together with Microsoft store partners, Mind Alliance Ventures Inc.'s CEO, Edwin Tan and VP for Operations, Edward Tan. Everyone was in for a treat as exciting deals and other exclusive promos were offered. Various Lumia mobile devices and accessories, and the grand prize that included a Lumia 1520, an HP Stream 8, and an Office 365 FREE subscription bundle were also given away to lucky raffle winners. Also present during the North EDSA opening were top model and TV personality, Fabio Ide and Fifth Solomon of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic - both of whom are Lumia supporters who joined in on the fun and shared the Windows experience with their fans.

The stores offered a wide variety of Microsoft Lumia smartphones, accessories, and other products such as the Office 365 Personal, HP Stream 7 and 8 tablets, and HP Pavilion X2 laptop. Both opening days generated a remarkable growth in sales for Microsoft. The newly-launched Lumia 640 XL and Lumia 540 Dual SIM were, of course, the run-away favorites.

According to Milette Rosal of Microsoft, the store openings are both beneficial to the company and its patrons. For one, it represents a broader business model which allows the company to engage with more people. On the other hand, these stores make a wider range of Microsoft devices within the customers’ reach.

As part of their #LiveConnected campaign, a demonstration of how Microsoft users can stay connected across various devices was also held during the stores’ grand opening. This functionality guarantees continued productivity on-the-go and on Windows and other devices.

The opening of these Microsoft stores comes as a monumental feat for the company as it is looking to sustain its sales and strengthen its presence in the country, especially with the much anticipated release of Windows 10.